Team Misawa strengthens alliances at 2018 Singapore International Airshow

U.S. Air Force Maj. Richard Smeeding, the Pacific Air Forces' F-16 Demonstration Team pilot, deploys a flare during the 2018 Singapore International Airshow at the Changi Exhibition Center, Singapore, Feb. 8, 2018. The demonstration team travels to various countries in the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen U.S. international partnerships through aerial performances. The demo team performed for approximately 100,000 spectators and showcased the F-16 Fighting Falcon's tactical flexibility and power. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgts. Charlie Bolles, left, Steven Pedrick, center, and Zachary Latoski, Pacific Air Forces' F-16 Demonstration Team members, initiate a pre-flight check prior to take off at Paya Lebar Air Base, Feb. 3, 2018. To ensure the F-16 Fighting Falcon’s safe performance, the demo team executes pre-flight and post-flight inspections, checking for any mechanical errors. The demo team traveled to countries in the Indo-Pacific region, displaying the swift agility of the F-16 at 13 airshows in 2017. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

Two Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16s and an F-15 deploy smoke tanks during an aerial performance at Changi Exhibition Center, Singapore, Feb. 4, 2018. The airshow is a biennial international event focused on strengthening the partnership between the U.S. and Singapore as well as among the international community. A multitude of countries highlighted their latest aircraft for attendees to watch perform and conducted tours of various static displays. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

Republic of Singapore nationals watch a Pacific Air Forces’ F-16 Demonstration Team aerial performance at the 2018 Singapore International Airshow, Feb. 7, 2018. The airshow provided the U.S. an opportunity to meet face-to-face with international partners, reaffirming their commitment to their allies in the Indo-Pacific region. Maintaining regional stability requires the participation of allies and partners to build strong relationships and promote a capacity for security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Dave Neville, a Pacific Air Forces' F-16 Demonstration Team safety observer, talks with Maj. Richard Smeeding, the PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team pilot at Changi Exhibition Center, Singapore, Feb. 5, 2018. Safety observers ensure pilots are at a safe distance from the crowd when performing aerial maneuvers. Demonstrations and static displays of various U.S. aircraft showcased the capabilities the U.S. brings to the Indo-Pacific theater at the 2018 Singapore International Airshow. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Dave Neville, a Pacific Air Forces' F-16 Demonstration Team safety observer, talks with Swiss Air Force Brig. Gen. Warner Epper, the Swiss Air Force deputy commander, at Changi Exhibition Center, Feb. 6, 2018. The U.S. Air Force attended the 2018 Singapore International Airshow to display aircraft and strengthen international relationships. The biennial event entertained approximately 100,000 attendees who had the opportunity to view aerial demonstrations and static displays from various countries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Steven Pedrick, a Pacific Air Forces' F-16 Demonstration Team crew chief, dons a PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team patch at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, Feb. 3, 2018. Along with building partnerships, the 2018 Singapore International Air Show provided an opportunity for the U.S. to demonstrate its combat capabilities to approximately 100,000 attendees. The U.S. Air Force also furthered military-to-military relationships by engaging with international leaders face-to-face during the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Davis, a U.S. Embassy Air Attaché representative, speaks with Republic of Singapore Air Force Brig. Gen. Boon-Kim Tan, an Embassy of the Republic of Singapore Naval and Air Attaché defense representative, during the 2018 Singapore International Airshow, at the Changi Exhibition Center, Singapore, Feb. 7, 2018. Along with U.S. Embassy representatives, many other international representatives attended the airshow to reinforce international partnerships while showcasing their aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Byron Cole, the Pacific Air Forces' F-16 Demonstration Team lead crew chief, removes an angle of attack probe cover at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, Feb. 3, 2018. The demo team consists of 10 personnel from different aircraft maintenance sections who ensure all mechanics of the jet are primed for executing aerial maneuvers during an air show. The 2018 Singapore International Air Show provided an opportunity for the U.S. to demonstrate its combat capabilities to approximately 100,000 attendees. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

More than 100,000 attendees witnessed pure airpower at the 2018 Singapore International Airshow, geared toward building stronger relations between Singapore and 50 other countries through static displays and aerial performances, Feb. 6-11.

The Pacific Air Forces’ F-16 Demonstration Team out of Misawa Air Base, Japan, conducted 10 performances during the event.

“Our service members here at the Singapore Airshow have a distinct opportunity to interact,” said Gen. David Goldfein, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff. “They’re not only showcasing who we are as a military, but they have a chance to help mold the future of our militaries, just by interacting with our younger generations. Even though they may interact with a child for a short amount of time, that child may grow up to replace us, whether it’s in the U.S. military or in the Singapore military.”

The United States demonstrated its air capabilities through a B-52H Stratofortress flyover and static displays of a C-17 Globemaster III, RQ-4 Global Hawk, E-3B Sentry, KC-135 Stratotanker, P-8 Poseidon, F-35B Lightning II, F-22 Raptor and an F-18 Super Hornet. However, Team Misawa’s F-16 was the only U.S. asset to demonstrate its in-air capabilities.